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Comment by diminish | Hacker News Reader

It's no wonder important players are rushing to market premium segment prestigious smartphones: Notably, Google’s Pixel 2, Samsung S8/Note8, Xiaomi. In 3Q 2017, iphone got 12.5% flat market share with negligible YoY growth and runs to $900B valuations thanks to increased ASP price.

I'm curious why Dell/HP and some others aren't chasing the $1000+ smartphone segment.

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Because they're not inclined to produce a super expensive phone with Android on it. Apple's business model works because the software makes up where the hardware lacks and give it that premium feel. Depending on how well FUTURE android pans out, consumers usually don't think Android phones should be that expensive.

>Apple's business model works because the software makes up where the hardware lacks

Could you clarify? I thought hardware was where Apple had the largest lead over it's competitors.

Apple devices have almost always been laughably overpriced for the hardware specs. Android phones are normally more powerful with longer lasting batteries and better cameras. Windows computers are cheaper with more performance and are highly customizable. What Apple has is a great UI and near-seamless interoperability between all their devices. The hardware isn't (historically) incredible, it's the experience and environment that are great.

I would agree with that for their computers to a degree, but I was under the impression that their mobile processors are known for how far ahead of the competition they are.

Hardware is more than just processor though. They have had less storage, less memory, and worse cameras for many generations. I'd have to do some research into mobile processors specifically, but this is just broad statements. I'm not saying anything about the state of Apple today, but over the past 15+ years. In general, Apple hardware has been worse than their competitors despite costing more.

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